FARMINGTON — Jeanne Marie Kern Northrup, 79, of New Portland, died Sunday, June 28, 2009, at Franklin Memorial Hospital, Farmington.

She was born April 2, 1930, in Georgetown, Conn., the daughter of George E. and Florence L. (Tarrant) Watson. She was a graduate of Danbury High School. She was married to John Christian Kern Jr., the father of her children. Following his passing, she later married Lawrence Northrup. He predeceased her in 1998. In Oct. of 1999, she moved to Maine.

Always a devoted homemaker, she derived much joy from her first priority —her family.

Her artistic talents were evident in her painting, culinary interests and sewing. An accomplished seamstress, she made her family clothing and 18th century period costumes for reenactments. She loved a good debate, particularly when it was politically based and in her retirement years, enjoyed her membership in the Red Hat Society.

She is survived by a son, John "Skip" Kern III and his wife, Debbie, of Conn.; one daughter, Vicilynn Anderson and her husband, John, of New Portland; one sister, Elise Marciano and her husband, Greg, of Danbury, Conn.; three granddaughters, Ami Esquivell, Melanie Neve and Alyssa West; and three greatgranddaughters, Mackenzie Esquivell, Myra Esquivell and Kendall Neve.

A memorial service was held Thursday, July 2, 2009 from the New Portland Community Church with Rev. C. Scott Planting officiating.

Those who desire may give gifts in Jeanne's memory to ATT. Jeanne Kern Northrup Scholarship Fund for the Arts, Franklin Somerset Federal Credit Union, 476 Main St., Kingfield, Maine 04947.

Condolences may be sent via e-mail to her family at info@wilesrc.com.